Lampard speaks out on FA charge as he looks to ‘protect’ Everton – ‘It’s an emotional game’

Frank Lampard has insisted that his immediate priority is to fight for everyone at Everton football club after landing a misconduct charge by the FA.

Lampard was charged for comments he made about Stuart Attwell’s performance during the Merseyside derby last month. He is alleged to have implied bias and/or attack the integrity of the match official.

The ex-Chelsea boss felt his side should have been awarded a penalty when Anthony Gordon, who was earlier booked for diving, was challenged by Joel Matip.

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In his post-match press conference, the Toffees boss suggested that had the incident happened to a Liverpool player the outcome would have been different.

“It’s an emotional game, isn’t it? My first job is to protect Everton Football Club for the players, for the club itself and for the fans,” said Lampard, who has until Monday to respond to the FA charge.

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“I can’t talk about it. I’ve got to reply to the FA and at this point I can’t speak more about it.”

Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Leicester, where relegation-threatened Everton will look to win their first league match away from home since August, Lampard played down any injury concerns over Richarlison.

“Yeah, Richy’s got a bit of a sore ankle from the one he twisted at Liverpool. That’s sort of been around since then, but hopefully will be